Nikwax Down Proof 300ml Water Proofer for Insulated Fabrics  £9.00

Nikwax Down Proof - 300ml Bottle

Adds Durable Water Repellency; reducing weight gain, maintaining the insulation and breathability of down filled items in cold and damp conditions.

Down is an amazing natural fiber that has an unbeatable warmth to weight ratio. It's compressible, resilient and very long lasting if properly maintained. The major drawback of using down-filled clothing is it's inability to retain loft and insulate when wet. The structure of down allows air to be trapped between its filaments and warmed by body heat to provide insulation for the user. If down gets wet it clumps together. This causes it to lose loft and insulation as it can’t trap air effectively. When wet, down loses all of its insulating properties, as water conducts heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air. It will also gain weight and its breathability will be significantly reduced; leaving you feeling cold, wet and uncomfortable.

Nikwax Down Proof has been specifically designed and optimised for down items, providing Durable Water Repellency (DWR) to both the outer fabric and the down fill, whilst maintaining insulation and breathability. It is a must have for people who enjoy outdoor pursuits.

Features:

• Increases the effectiveness of the insulation in damp conditions.
• Makes down less susceptible to humidity.
• Wash-in treatment that reduces the water-absorbency of down and adds water-repellency to the outer shell.
• Helps down dry faster.
• Lasts several washings.
• Product of choice of professional Outdoor trainers.
• 300ml / 10.5oz bottle is suitable for 2 items or 1 sleeping bag.

How to use Nikwax Down Proof:

Your down gear could be soaking up water just because it is dirty. First, try cleaning it with Nikwax Down Wash, and if it is fairly new, or recently re-waterproofed, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) will be revitalised just from cleaning.

Once the gear has been thoroughly used, you will need to add DWR, using Nikwax Down Proof. This will add DWR to the outer fabric of the gear and also the down fill:

• Washing Machine

For best results remove all non-washable parts and clean item(s) first with Nikwax Down Wash in a separate wash cycle. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions (large items can be treated by hand).

1. Remove all detergent build up from the detergent dispenser.
2. Place clean item in washing machine (maximum 1 item).
3. Use 150ml / 5.25oz for 1 item.
4. Run 30°C / 86°F synthetic cycle and slow spin.
5. After the cycle has finished run multiple spin cycles, each time incrementally increasing the spin speed, to remove excess water. Wet down is heavy, so if items are spun too quickly while still holding a large amount of water it is possible that internal baffles may be broken.

• ​Nikwax Down Proof treated items need no heat to develop water repellency. However, tumble drying is recommended (if care label allows) to ensure that the down is dried thoroughly and as quickly as possible. Leaving down wet or damp can ruin it completely. Tumble dry according to manufacturer’s instructions on a low setting until clumps have disappeared. Ensure that there is sufficient room in the tumble drier to house the item once dry, as items will return to their original size during the drying process.
• Teasing apart clumps repeatedly during drying process will help restore loft to the down.
• After tumble drying it is recommended to air item(s) for at least a day in a warm and dry space, prior to packing away.

To maintain waterproofing always wash with Nikwax Down Wash. Do not use detergents.

• Hand Wash

For best results remove all non-washable parts and clean item(s) first with Nikwax Down Wash. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions (large items can be treated by hand).

1. Immerse clean item(s) in hand-hot water.
2. For clothing: Use 150ml / 5.25oz for 1 item in a bowl or 300ml / 10.5oz for 2 items in a bath. Fully submerge item(s) in water.
3. For sleeping bags*: Use 300ml / 10.5oz in 4cm / 1.6in  deep water in a bath.
4. Agitate to mix, leave to soak for 5-10 minutes, then agitate thoroughly.
5. Rinse clothing in cold water until water runs clear. For sleeping bags repeat rinsing process, drain and gently press bag to expel water.
6. To remove excess water transfer item(s) to a washing machine and run multiple spin cycles, each time incrementally increasing the spin speed. Wet down is heavy, so if items are spun too quickly while still holding a large amount of water it is possible that internal baffles may be broken.

• ​Nikwax Down Proof treated items need no heat to develop water repellency. However, tumble drying is recommended (if care label allows) to ensure that the down is dried thoroughly and as quickly as possible. Leaving down wet or damp can ruin it completely. Tumble dry according to manufacturer’s instructions on a low setting until clumps have disappeared. Ensure that there is sufficient room in the tumble drier to house the item once dry, as items will return to their original size during the drying process.
• Teasing apart clumps repeatedly during drying process will help restore loft to the down.
• After tumble drying it is recommended to air item(s) for at least a day in a warm and dry space, prior to packing away.

To maintain waterproofing always wash with Nikwax Down Wash. Do not use detergents.

*3-4 season down sleeping bags should be professionally treated.

Nikwax Product Ethics:

Nikwax takes great care to minimise the effect of Nikwax waterproofing products on the environment and on you, the consumer.

• Nikwax waterproofing products are WaterBased, Non-aerosol, Non-flammable, Non-hazardous, and Environmentally Friendly.
• Zero PFC - Completely free of fluorocarbons (which have been shown to be persistent in the environment and have been associated with serious health issues).
• Nikwax waterproofing products contain no harmful solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Down Care:

Down filled items are used to provide lightweight insulation to keep you warm. The structure of down allows air to be trapped between its filaments and warmed by body heat to provide insulation for the user. If down gets wet it clumps together. This causes it to lose loft and insulation as it can’t trap air effectively. When wet, down loses all of its insulating properties, as water conducts heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air. It will also gain weight and its breathability will be significantly reduced; leaving you feeling cold, wet and uncomfortable. Down filled items are most likely to get sweaty and wet inside when used in damp or wet conditions.

Therefore it is important to stop down filled gear from getting wet by applying Durable Water Repellency (DWR). The outer fabric of your down filled item, as well as the down inside, must be maintained to ensure comfort. Through use it will eventually wear off and need to be renewed with Nikwax Down Proof.